If you’re like me, then you turn to Solitaire when you want to unwind and have a good time. I recently came across Golf Solitaire, and I can tell you that it’s a great game! This refreshing Solitaire variant not only provides enjoyment but also represents a challenging puzzle to solve. Indeed, only 2% of Golf Solitaire games are winnable.
Known for its difficulty, Golf Solitaire requires skill and keen strategic thinking, which makes it even more intriguing to play. The challenge is part of the fun. Trust me, you won’t be able to divert your attention anywhere else. Once you get a taste of the stimulating gameplay, you’ll find yourself wanting more and more. So, grab your cards and get ready to go on a fun (but challenging) journey.
History of Golf Solitaire
As a history enthusiast, the origins of games like Golf Solitaire fascinate me. This unique variant has been around since 1905. It originated from a game called “One Foundation” and is still known by that name in many places.
Even though the game dates back to the early 20th century, it wasn’t until the middle of that century that it really became popular. Over the years, Golf Solitaire has evolved into various versions. It is also available digitally, which ensures that people around the globe can easily access the game.
Main Objective
The name “Golf Solitaire” chimes with a “par” in Golf (a decided number of strokes that a player should use to complete a hole). In the Solitaire context, this represents clearing the tableau within a certain decided number of moves. This provides an interesting spin to the traditional Solitaire experience, where you’re typically only worried about how you’ll make your next move rather than being constrained by the number of moves you can make.
The Setup in Golf Solitaire
The first thing you need to do is learn how to set the game up. Here are the steps you need to follow:
- Grab a deck of 52 cards and shuffle it well. The better the shuffle, the better the experience.
- Lay out seven separate face-up cards. Each of these cards serves as the start of your seven piles in the tableau.
- Next, you must add four more cards to each pile, bringing each to a total of five cards. Remember to add them face-up; each card in each pile must be plainly visible.
- Place the remaining cards aside in the form of a deck (the stock pile), all facing down.
- Turn the top card from the stock pile up and place it aside to start the talon (or foundation or waste pile).
How to Play Golf Solitaire
An obvious, but important, question is how one plays Golf Solitaire. Here’s the answer:
- Remember that the primary objective is to remove as many cards as you can from the tableau.
- Cards can be moved to the talon pile when they are one number higher or lower than the topmost card in that pile. Ace and King can be played on top of each other.
- If you get to the point where you cannot make any more moves, then you can flip up the top card of the remaining deck and place it in the talon pile. You can then resume the game.
- A card can only be moved to the talon pile if there are no other cards on top of that card.
- The game is usually played in nine rounds. The goal is to have fewer than 36 cards left in the tableau at the end of all rounds combined. Here is how you can score yourself:
- At the end of each round, count the number of cards left in the tableau.
- Then add the number of remaining cards from each round. For example, if you have three cards left in the first round, four cards in the second round, and so on, then add these numbers together (each card counts as one point).
- If the total number of remaining cards from all nine rounds is less than 36, then you win the game.
Tricks to Mastering Golf Solitaire
As mentioned, Golf Solitaire is known for being difficult to play. But, with a few tricks and tips, you can increase your chances of winning. I was quite baffled the first time I played, but things got better once I learned the tactics that the most experienced players use. Follow these tried and tested tricks to master this Solitaire variant.
Be Patient
A rule of thumb is to be patient when playing Golf Solitaire. Solitaire is also known as “Patience”, and trust me when I say that patience pays off in this variant. Whenever I try to play hastily, I find myself losing early in the game.
When you match a card from the tableau or the deck, pause and scan the tableau. You must assess whether there’s a chance of finding a helpful card beneath the one you just matched. This helps ensure that you do not make the layout chaotic or difficult to untangle.
Pre-Plan Everything
A good Golf Solitaire player always plans sequences and evaluates options. Always scan the tableau carefully and plan your moves. This helps ensure that you do not make decisions that you’ll regret later in the game. Doing so will considerably improve your capacity to generate progressively extended sequences.
I’ve noticed that the sequence I see in the beginning isn’t always the greatest one. A less obvious sequence might allow me to eliminate more cards. So, instead of fixating on the first sequence you see, take a breath and try to determine a ‘bigger picture’ plan.
Avoid Unnecessarily Using the Deck
Using the deck whenever you can’t figure out the next move can be an attractive option. But, you should refrain from doing so. The deck is your reserve, and you should resist the impulse to empty it quickly. It can also increase your number of moves. Remember that, if you exhaust the deck without clearing the tableau and can’t make any more moves, then it’s game over!
After playing Golf Solitaire many times, I’ve realized that better opportunities tend to emerge as the tableau reveals more cards. So, it’s best to hold off from utilizing the deck until you’re certain that there’s no other option.
Use a Pattern of Cards
When I play Golf Solitaire, I like to create a pattern with my card moves. This might sound questionable, but it’s a great strategy. Let me give you an example. Imagine that the top card in the talon pile is a Ten, and I have both a Nine and a Ten available in the tableau. I play the Nine first and then the Ten. This move allows me to clear three cards simultaneously without changing the top card in the talon pile. So, try to play smart by creating patterns of cards.
Here is a summary of the tips I’ve been discussing:
| Strategy | Description |
| Be patient. | Patiently examining the tableau will help avoid rushed and risky moves. |
| Pre-plan everything. | Planning things beforehand can help you notice useful cards that you might otherwise overlook. |
| Avoid unnecessarily using the deck. | Using the deck excessively will only increase your number of moves. |
| Use a pattern of cards. | Using a pattern of cards with similar numbers allows you to clear multiple cards at the same time. |
Fairway Solitaire – An Interesting Version of Golf Solitaire.
Playing the same game continuously can get boring. Luckily, there is a different version of Golf Solitaire to challenge you even more. Fairway Solitaire offers a refreshing twist on classic Golf Solitaire. As someone who enjoys a good challenge, stumbling on Fairway Solitaire felt like discovering a hidden gem.
The main goal in this game is the same as in Golf Solitaire – remove all the cards from the tableau. However, Fairway Solitaire includes different ‘golf courses’, which have unique challenges. This makes the game even more entertaining. So, if you’re looking to shake up your Golf Solitaire routine, I highly recommend trying the Fairway version.
Conclusion
It is important for Solitaire players to sharpen their skills once in a while. This can be done with Golf Solitaire’s challenging layout and gameplay. As I’ve delved into the realm of Golf Solitaire, I’ve found myself learning new skills without even realizing it. These skills include strategic thinking, enhanced concentration, and problem-solving abilities. So, if you want to improve your gaming experience while sharpening your skills, play Golf Solitaire right now!
